Sweeping Support for Canadian Chamber Policy Resolutions

Canada has chosen a new government and new direction. The business community will now be faced with a new set of challenges and opportunities. This past weekend the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) held its Annual General Meeting and Convention in Ottawa. Chambers from across Canada met to debate policy resolutions important to business across Canada and guide the CCC in its advocacy focus for the next year.

With 309 Chambers of Commerce from across Canada representing thousands of businesses and tens of thousands of hardworking Canadians, the Chamber network is a powerful voice for ensuring a better environment for business to grow and flourish. This weekend’s policy resolutions will help guide the CCC in its lobbying efforts and the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Your Chamber is guided by the expert work of Art Sinclair, our VP of Advocacy, who once again was instrumental in communicating the resolutions of our local Chamber and articulating their importance to the national economy.

The first resolution put forward by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce was a policy plank dedicated to help expand export opportunities for Canadian auto parts manufacturers and support manufacturers through R&D incentives to meet the changing requirements of domestic and international assemblers.

This policy garnered much debate and in the end was passed with a strong majority. By honing in on key areas of growth for auto parts manufacturers through added exports markets and R&D programs the Canadian Chamber of Commerce can push hard for Waterloo Region manufacturers to ensure they have growth opportunities in Canada and around the world.

The GKWCC co-sponsored another resolution that was submitted with the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce that seeks to keep our local food growers and exporters protected from shifting discriminatory trade policies in the United States. There was overwhelming support for this initiative and is now part of the CCC’s advocacy push with the new Liberal government.

Increasing Technology and Productivity in Canadian Food Manufacturing – Passed

Canadian food manufacturing employs thousands in Waterloo Region and hundreds of thousands of Canadians across the country. Our ability to develop, package, and export our food products is a strategic advantage for Canada, especially with the growing number of international trade agreements Canada is now part of.

This policy resolution seeks to increase the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance that supports manufacturers in purchasing much needed new equipment to innovate and remain competitive in the global market as well as ensuring our regulatory system is in accordance with other international jurisdictions.

This resolution was passed with almost unanimous support from the 309 voting delegates. This resolution and its support highlights how important a strong food manufacturing sector is to Canada.

Increasing Agri-Food Exports – Passed

The fourth policy resolution was focused on enabling Canada’s agri-food exports to remain competitive as the final details of the TPP are negotiated. Details of the TPP will soon be made public and are critical for this sector.

There were also notable policy resolutions that were presented such as the need to simplify the SR&ED innovation tax credit system to help support small to medium-sized businesses who could use the program, but often find it daunting to use due to red tape and the complexity of the application process.

The CCC AGM is where policy happens! The GKWCC is one of the largest and most vocal Chambers in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, it is important to have our voice heard on a national level and continue to push for the needs of our business community.

And the GKWCC made local business issues heard and felt on the national stage!

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FAQ

What is a Chamber of Commerce?

A chamber of commerce is a non-profit, membership driven association that advocates on behalf of the business community in which it serves. In addition, it helps connect and grow the business community through a wide array of networking events, educational seminars, and member reward offerings.

How do I join the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce?

It's as easy as contacting our Membership Manager David MacLellan at (519) 749.6042 or email him at dmaclellan@greaterkwchamber.com.

How do I register for upcoming Chamber events?

You can register for any Chamber event right here on our website or email our events team at events@greaterkwchamber.com.

Where can I obtain more information about the Chamber's Group Benefits Program?

Call Membership Manager David MacLellan at (519) 749.6042 for details and to find out how to receive a quote.

What are the benefits of being a Chamber member?

Click here or contact David MacLellan, Membership Development Representative at (519) 749.6042.

I work at a company that is a member of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Do I need to join the Chamber separately to take advantage of member benefits?

All employees of Chamber member companies are considered Chamber members and are eligible to receive full member benefits, including attending Chamber programs and events at the member rate. Email us for more information about getting your staff involved in the Chamber.

I am a member of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. How can I get my login information for the members-only area of your website?

Please email the Chamber Membership Department to request your unique username and password at admin@greaterkwchamber. We will respond within two business days to make sure you can login.

I am a member of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. How can I update my contact information?

Log in to the members-only area of our web site. Click the link that says "Update Your Member Profile." You will see an online form with all your member information. Make the desired changes to this information, and click the "Save Change Requests" button. Your request for change will be sent to the Chamber, and we will take care of the rest. Please allow up to two business days for your changes to be reviewed and approved by our staff.

If you do not know your username and password, please contact us and we'll be happy to assist you.

How do I obtain a Chamber Membership Directory?

Click here to view the online Members Directory or contact Darlene Jones, Membership/Office Coordinator at 519.749.6035 to obtain a print Members Directory.